In 1981, the government announced
its intention to form a second public bus company in order to compete
with SBS(1978) on an equal footing. Singapore Shuttle Buses was granted
the license in 1982, and Trans-Island Bus Services came into being in
1983, and operated 37 buses on service 160 and 167. Japanese Hinos were
operated.

TIBS moved into its present HQ in
Ang Mo Kio in 1986. It was also publicly listed on the local SESDAQ
index in 1987.

Most of the original Japanese
buses were progressively phased out in the 1990s, and were replaced by
more modern city buses. It also introduced the popular articulated bus,
affectionately known as the Bendy bus, in 1996.

TIBS now operates services mainly
in the North and North-west district of Singapore from 5 interchanges
and 2 terminals. It will also operate services in the upcoming Simpang
residential area.